Monthly Archives: May 2010

less government or good government?

There are many reasons to oppose introducing or increasing regulation, reasons that, depending on the context, are sometimes good or sometimes bad.  Among the good reasons might be that - new regulation is purely punitive, - it has been hastily crafted with little understanding of the business that is to be regulated, - regulation is…

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a fickle finger of fate or the dirty digit of destiny?

Regulation is necessary to ensure that companies, pressured by the contraints of competition and the need to generate profits, take the precautions necessary to ensure public safety. The recent revelations about decisions made by BP before the gas blowout in the Gulf are once again a demonstration that strong, sophisticated and effective regulation must accompany…

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externalities

Graphic examples of market externalities are to be found all around us.

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the real cost of financial reform

Financial reform will add costs to banks, particularly very large ones. But these should be weighed against the costs of not reforming, and against the subsidies large financial institutions currently enjoy. The ultimate costs to the public of not reforming are far greater.

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some key things missing from the financial reform legislation

Congress has made much more progress on financial reform than cynics might have thought.  The House and Senate bills have now been passed with strong majorities and will now be reconciled in what will surely be a bruising conference committee.  The conference will proceed from June 15 and Congressional leaders hope to present the final…

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capture

Regulatory capture is a bigger problem in America than elsewhere, partly because of our cultural predispositions. Respect for regulation as a vital element of free market activity, and respect for regulators--both earned and accorded--is necessary to modernize our regulatory system and meet adequately the complex challenges of the modern economy.

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a few words on "regulation"

Regulation and markets are necessary corollaries. But effective regulation is a complex, technical and very difficult task to accomplish. How effective regulation is achieved will be influenced by ideological preconceptions and the nature of the markets sought to be regulated. Achieving the right balance is overall policy goal of regulation and its reform.

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